This recipe for roasted delicata squash and farro salad is a hearty, satisfying dish that showcases the delightful sweet and nutty flavor of delicata squash. Paired with robust farro, fresh lacinato kale, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it's a salad that's sure to impress.
Some of the ingredients may not be commonly found in your pantry, such as delicata squash, farro, and lacinato kale. Delicata squash is a winter variety with a sweet, nutty flavor and tender skin that can be eaten. Farro is a whole grain that's noted for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur or Tuscan kale, has dark, bumpy leaves and a slightly sweeter taste than common curly kale. These ingredients can be found in most supermarkets, especially in the fall and winter seasons.
Ingredients for Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
Delicata squash: A sweet, nutty winter squash with edible skin. It's rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin C.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the squash and making the vinaigrette. It adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Fennel bulb: Adds a sweet, licorice-like flavor and crunchy texture.
Smoked paprika: Provides a sweet-smoky flavor.
Lacinato kale: A variety of kale with a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor than common kale.
Farro: A chewy, nutty whole grain that's high in fiber and protein.
Chickpea: Adds a creamy texture and is a good source of protein.
Goat cheese: Provides a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the squash.
Apple cider vinegar: The main ingredient in the vinaigrette, it adds a tart, fruity flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds freshness and acidity to the vinaigrette.
Honey: A natural sweetener for the vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette a little kick.
Garlic: Adds a robust, savory flavor to the vinaigrette.
One reader, Carolyn Foss says:
This roasted delicata squash and farro salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. The roasted squash and fennel add a delightful sweetness, while the apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly. It's a wholesome and satisfying dish that's become a regular in my meal rotation.
Techniques for Perfecting Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
How to roast delicata squash: Roast the delicata squash slices with olive oil and salt until tender and slightly browned.
How to prepare apple cider vinaigrette: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, and garlic. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper.
How to assemble the salad: Combine the kale, farro, chickpeas, roasted delicata and fennel, and goat cheese in a large bowl. Toss to combine, then top with the roasted squash seeds.
How to store leftover salad: Place the leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How To Make Roasted Delicata Squash And Farro Salad
Enjoy a bowl of this farro salad loaded with chickpeas, delicata squash, and cheese. It’s finished with a drizzle of apple cider dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Farro Salad:
- 1medium delicata squash,cleaned
- 3tbspolive oil,divided
- 1½tspsalt,plus a pinch, divided
- 1large fennel bulb
- ½tspsmoked paprika
- 1bunchlacinato kale,woody stems removed, roughly chopped
- 4½cupsfarro,cooked
- 1cupcanned chickpea,drained and rinsed
- ⅓cupcreamy goat cheese,crumbled
For Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- ½cupapple cider vinegar
- ¼cuplemon juice,fresh
- 3tbsphoney
- 1tbspDijon mustard
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- ½cupextra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Using a long, sharp knife, remove the ends of the squash, then cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Rinse and reserve the seeds.
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Lay each half of the squash down on its cut side and cut into ½-inch thick slices.
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Place the squash in the 3-quart prep bowl along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover the bowl with the lid and shake to fully coat the squash.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the squash to the baking sheet, spread in a single layer, and roast for 20 minutes.
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While the squash is roasting, remove the fennel fronds and bottom end and thinly slice the bulb. Add to the bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cover and shake well to coat.
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After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet with the squash from the oven and add the fennel, spreading evenly.
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Return to the oven for another 20 minutes, until the squash is tender and slightly browned and the fennel is tender and caramelized.
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Add the delicata seeds to the 1½ quart prep bowl. Depending on how many seeds there are, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and smoked paprika. Cover the bowl with the lid and shake to coat the seeds well.
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Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Spread the seeds in a single layer and add to the oven for the last 10 minutes while the squash and fennel finish roasting, until golden brown.
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In a small bowl, add the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, and garlic. Whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
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Slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking to emulsify. Season with more salt, if needed.
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In a large bowl, assemble the salad. Add the kale, farro, and chickpeas, then the roasted delicata and fennel, and finally the goat cheese.
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Toss to combine, then top with the roasted squash seeds.
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Add the salad to a serving bowl and drizzle with the vinaigrette.
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Leftover salad will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 827.87kcal
- Fat: 31.32g
- Saturated Fat: 5.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.82g
- Carbohydrates: 122.57g
- Fiber: 19.92g
- Sugar: 21.62g
- Protein: 25.70g
- Cholesterol: 4.60mg
- Sodium: 909.75mg
- Calcium: 172.20mg
- Potassium: 1214.94mg
- Iron: 8.05mg
- Vitamin A: 238.05µg
- Vitamin C: 58.60mg
Pro Tip for Elevating Your Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
When roasting the delicata squash and fennel, it's important to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for even roasting and caramelization, which enhances the flavors of these vegetables. Overcrowding the pan can result in steaming rather than roasting, which can make the vegetables soggy instead of crisp and caramelized.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
Prep ahead: You can roast the delicata squash, cook the farro, and prepare the vinaigrette a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-cut squash: Consider using pre-cut delicata squash to save time on prep work.
Batch cooking: Cook a larger batch of farro and roast extra squash to use in other dishes throughout the week.
Quick clean-up: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup after roasting the squash and fennel.
Efficient multitasking: While the squash and fennel are roasting, use that time to prepare the vinaigrette and assemble the other salad ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Delicata Squash And Farro Salad Recipe
delicata squash - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to delicata squash and can be roasted in the same way, providing a delicious alternative for the salad.
farro - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a gluten-free alternative to farro and has a similar nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a suitable replacement in the salad.
fennel bulb - Substitute with celery root: Celery root, also known as celeriac, has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, which can be a good substitute for fennel in the salad.
smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika, although it won't have the smoky flavor, it will still add a nice color and mild heat to the salad.
lacinato kale - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard can be used as a substitute for lacinato kale, providing a similar earthy flavor and hearty texture to the salad.
chickpeas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for chickpeas, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the salad.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese, offering a tangy and salty flavor to the salad.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar, providing a slightly milder acidity to the vinaigrette.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, adding a tangy acidity to the vinaigrette.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, providing a sweet and rich flavor to the vinaigrette.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can be used as a substitute for dijon mustard, adding a slightly different texture and a hint of spice to the vinaigrette.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a milder and sweeter flavor to the vinaigrette.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual appeal and make the dish pop.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures to the plate. Consider adding a crispy element, such as toasted nuts or crispy kale chips, to contrast with the tender squash and farro.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that each component of the dish is well-seasoned and balanced. The sweetness of the delicata squash should be complemented by the savory elements, and the vinaigrette should tie everything together with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to stand out. This will create a visually appealing presentation that showcases the ingredients beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and aroma to the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish and allows for artistic arrangement. The plate should be large enough to showcase the components without appearing crowded.
Create a focal point: Arrange the elements in a way that draws the eye to a focal point on the plate, such as a stack of delicata squash slices or a drizzle of the apple cider vinaigrette.
Use edible flowers as a finishing touch: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers as a delicate and beautiful finishing touch to the dish. This adds a sophisticated and luxurious element to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans.
- 3-quart prep bowl: A medium-sized bowl used for mixing and preparing ingredients.
- 1½ quart prep bowl: A smaller-sized bowl used for mixing and preparing ingredients.
- Small baking sheet: A smaller-sized baking pan used for roasting and baking smaller quantities.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
- To store leftover roasted delicata squash and farro salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day!
- If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to store the components separately:
- Freeze the roasted delicata squash and fennel in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
- Cook the farro and freeze it in a separate container for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or olive oil.
- The kale and chickpeas can be frozen together in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
- The apple cider vinaigrette can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake before using.
- The roasted squash seeds and goat cheese are best added fresh when serving the salad, as they may lose their texture and flavor when frozen.
- When you're ready to serve the salad, simply thaw and reheat the components, then toss them together with fresh kale, goat cheese, and the apple cider vinaigrette. Top with the roasted squash seeds for a delightful crunch!
How To Reheat Leftover Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted delicata squash and farro salad in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat the salad in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the squash and farro from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use your microwave. Transfer the leftover salad to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat the salad on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it's heated to your liking. The damp paper towel will help to create steam and keep the salad moist.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the roasted delicata squash separately from the rest of the salad. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the squash pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the squash for 5-10 minutes, or until it's crispy and heated through. Meanwhile, reheat the farro salad using one of the above methods, and then combine the crispy squash with the warm salad before serving.
If you have a stovetop and a skillet, you can reheat the leftover salad in the pan. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the salad to the skillet and stir occasionally, until it's heated through. This method allows you to quickly reheat the salad and add any additional seasonings or ingredients if desired.
Lastly, if you're short on time or don't have access to a kitchen, you can enjoy the leftover roasted delicata squash and farro salad cold. The flavors will have had time to meld together, and the cold salad can be a refreshing and satisfying meal on its own. If the salad seems a bit dry, you can drizzle some extra apple cider vinaigrette over the top before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
The delicata squash is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. It's also a great addition to a healthy diet, as it is low in calories and high in nutrients.
Is Making Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad Cost-Effective?
This roasted delicata squash and farro salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as delicata squash, farro, and chickpeas, are affordable and nutritious. The addition of fennel, kale, and goat cheese adds a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. The apple cider vinaigrette, made with simple pantry staples, enhances the flavors without adding significant cost. Overall, this recipe offers a balance of affordability and gourmet appeal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.
Is This Delicata Squash and Farro Salad Healthy?
This roasted delicata squash and farro salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. The delicata squash provides a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Farro is a whole grain that offers protein, fiber, and various minerals. The addition of kale and chickpeas further boosts the nutrient profile with vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. The use of olive oil and goat cheese in moderation adds healthy fats and calcium to the salad.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe to lower the sodium content
- Use a low-fat or fat-free goat cheese to decrease the overall fat content
- Increase the proportion of kale and chickpeas to boost the fiber and protein content
- Experiment with different types of greens, such as spinach or arugula, to vary the nutrient profile
- Add more colorful vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to increase the antioxidant content
- Replace the honey in the vinaigrette with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or date syrup to reduce the refined sugar content
- Use a whole grain mustard in the vinaigrette for added flavor and nutrients
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
The roasted delicata squash and farro salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted squash and caramelized fennel pairs beautifully with the nutty farro and creamy goat cheese. The apple cider vinaigrette adds a tangy and refreshing note to tie everything together. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, with the addition of kale and chickpeas. The use of smoked paprika and roasted delicata seeds adds a lovely depth of flavor and crunch. Overall, it's a well-balanced and satisfying salad that would make a delightful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Roasted Delicata Squash And Farro Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Roasted Delicata Squash and Farro Salad
Why trust this Roasted Delicata Squash And Farro Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring delicata squash roasted to perfection, hearty farro for a satisfying base, and a zesty apple cider vinaigrette to tie it all together. The use of wholesome ingredients such as kale, chickpeas, and creamy goat cheese adds both nutrition and richness. With a well-balanced blend of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, this dish promises to be a delightful addition to any meal. Trust in the quality and creativity of this recipe to elevate your dining experience.
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